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Woodbridge is an attractive riverside town - close to the
Suffolk Coast, and set in an Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty.
The Tide Mill, now fully restored and in working order, sits
majestically on the quayside. Built in the 18th Century and powered
by the rising tide, the mill was in commercial use until 1957. The
original millpond has become a marina, but, as part of this
meticulous restoration, a new pond has been created, which feeds
the water wheel that still turns at high tide.
Built in 1575, the Shire Hall has been beautifully restored in
recent years. The first floor houses The Suffolk Horse Museum, a
fascinating exhibition celebrating the history of the Suffolk
Punch, the world's oldest breed of heavy working horse. Although
now very rare, Suffolk Punches are still bred and a few of these
beautiful horses graze the water meadows just outside Lower Ufford
and the marshes at Shingle Street.
Across the road from the Shire Hall is Woodbridge Museum, a
treasure trove of information on the history of the town and its
more notable residents. These include the painter Thomas
Churchyard, the mapmaker Isaac Johnson and the poet Edward
Fitzgerald - translator of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, and
something of an eccentric.
From the Market Hill it is just a five-minute walk to Buttrum's
Mill, named after the last miller. This is a six-storey tower mill,
making it the tallest surviving mill in Suffolk. A climb up to the
top is more than worthwhile - not only to learn something of the
history of milling, but also to enjoy the lovely views across the
rooftops of Woodbridge to the Deben Estuary below.
The town´s ancient centre has retained all its old world charm
and has some great restaurants and superb antique shops and
galleries. The Riverside Theatre nearby is a thriving cinema and
theatre.
There are an abundance of excellent riverside walks, and
birdlife is wide and varied. There are pleasure trips from
Woodbridge down the River Deben - a very relaxing way to
travel.
Across the river from Woodbridge is the famous Sutton Hoo burial
site, which is managed by The National Trust. The site has been
developed with an education centre, restaurant, shop, exhibition
and interpretation centre. This is set well away from the burial
site itself, so that it still retains its atmosphere of mystery and
calm, even on the busiest of days.
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